Public Defender Bob Wesley, who knew O'Mara in law school, said he has a reputation for hard work.

"He was always a grinder, working, working, working…He will be hardworking and humble and diligently prepare the case for presentation."

Speaking to MSNBC, O’Mara’s longtime friend, and civil attorney, Joseph Flood, said, “He’s a brilliant lawyer” as well as a “renaissance man” who loves the arts and the Orlando Magic, rides a Harley and is very family-oriented.

Flood said, “I think he’ll be able to manage both the criminal prosecution side, which is going to be a big task, but also just as importantly he’ll be able to manage the media side of it.

“He will come up with the best defense that Mr. Zimmerman is entitled to get.”

After graduating from Florida State University College of Law in Tallahassee, Florida, O’Mara served as the assistant state attorney in the Seminole County State Attorney’s Office from 1982 to 1984. He has been an active member of the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Melissa Vickers, the current president of the group, said, “He’s very well respected. … He’s a great trial attorney. They’re in very good hands.”

Footage of Mark O’Mara and George Zimmerman in court:

Here’s Mark O’Mara talking about the stress George Zimmerman’s been put under: